Mind of its own !

Mr Maurice McPhillimey said:

Hi. My 1997 300tdi defender 90, start first thing every morning, I go for a short or long drive to shops, when I return from the shops and then the ignition key, there's absolutely nothing not even a click.
I check the fuses, the solenoid and starter leads all seem correct. But no matter how many times I try turning the key still nothing. Then after about 2 hours it starts as if nothing wrong, this is the second time it has happened now.
I can't find what the problem is. Anyone got any ideas ????

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Stanleysteamer said:

Contacts in starter solenoid I suspect. But plenty of other stuff I suppose.

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Anaconda said:

Ignition switch?
Beat me to it.

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kevstar said:

Sure its not the ignition barrel/key or switch thats at fault, you dont say whether the ignition lights come on or not.

Ive replaced a few over the years.

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Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

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kevstar said:

Sure its not the ignition barrel/key or switch thats at fault, you dont say whether the ignition lights come on or not.

Ive replaced a few over the years.

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Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

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Anaconda said:

Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

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Yes the key turns everytime, not sticking at all. WHEN engine is cold it fires up straight away,,, it's after a drive after 5 miles and stop. Then it does start for at least 2 hours and starts as if nothing wrong.. Defenders who would have them....

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Anaconda said:

I sort of had but it's another thing to check off the list if needed.

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Mr Maurice McPhillimey said:

Cheers.. all the warning lights come on... in fact all lights working perfectly... I suppose ignition barrel will be the easiest to change first...

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kevstar said:

Just had the same sort of issue with my van, changed the & keys & barrel (key was well worn) then it ran for a few days then
starting or not, relay clicking behind the seat went away after I replaced the ignition switch then click from starter (2 days later) now replaced the solenoid & its all good.

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